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Kalenjin the "running tribe"!

 

Running with Kalenjin
Rift Valley Province in Kenya

Kalenjin the "running tribe"!

Kalenjin so called the "running tribe" are residing mainly in what was formerly the Rift Valley Province in Kenya.
They are so called running tribe...but way? Well, since mid 1960 Kenyan man have earned a major share in honors in international athletics races from 800 m to marathons, and most of this man where from Kalenjin tribe. From 1980. all of the honors like Olympic medals, World championship medals, and World Cross country honors have been earned by Kalenjin man.
In 2008 Pamela Jelimo became the first Kenyan woman to win a gold medal at the Olympics and also became the first Kenyan to win the Goleden Legue Jackpot the same year! Since than, Kenyan woman have a major presence in international athletics and most of this woman are Kalenjin.

What is their super power?

There are many of theories, and one of them is that they have relatively thin legs and so they don't have to put much effort in lifting legs while running long distances. For my opinion that story is not that convincing cause i have thin legs and I'm not Kalenjin😋 
But, Googling around I found another theory that is far more convincing. According to Danish scientists Kalenjin runners have a genetic advantage over other athletes. 
There are other factors that go naturally toward their ability to be the best athletes, since young age they run to school approximately 12,km a day, and considering the science what you do in early life determines your fitness. 
Further more, they have the advantage of living in high altitude, which means they need more oxygen to be able to condition their hearts and breathing system. When they come down to low altitudes they are able to run faster then other human beings.

Nutrition facts

Like in every sport nutrition plays a major role. They are cattle breeders and consume a major part of meat and milk which provide them the high energy nutrition, as well the so needed calcium for bones development! Unlike Massai tribe that live in lowlands, the Kalenjin have to find the grass in lowlands and have to climb many hills to come back home. 

Fun fact ☝☝☝

Did you know that international sport retail giant Decathlon have called all the running line equipment after this "Running tribe"?


Whatch this video and get some more inspiration to run faster and harder!!!
Cheers Paola ☝☝☝☝


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